Versatile air test apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a single compact fitting for air, CO 2 , or nitrogen pressure testing either gas piping or waste piping. Each fitting is used for gas pipes of a particular outside diameter and waste pipes of a single larger diameter. The typical plumber would have a set, for example four, of the inventive fittings available, one for each size waste pipe that is be tested. The inventive fitting couples easily to either gas fuel piping or waste piping. A single air-pressure gauge is used to test either type of piping system. The inventive fitting is not limited to waste, vent, or gas piping systems; it can also be used to couple to other piping systems. The inventive fitting, in addition to being more versatile than conventional air-pressure test fittings, is also smaller and more compact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to waste, vent, and gas pipe testingdevices and more specifically to on-site waste, vent, and gas pipetesting devices used after building construction is completed and priorto water and gas being supplied to a building site.

2. Description of Related Art

In the past, pipe installed in a building for the purpose of bringinggas utility to the building or to removing waste from the building wastested at the time that gas and water were supplied to the site byutility services. However, in the last 7 years, there has been anincreasing trend to reduce early stage real estate development costs bydelaying installation of utility service until a building has a plannedoccupation date. In that case, the developer is faced with the problemof ensuring that the installed piping meets the Uniform Plumbing Code(UPC) for gas and waste prior the utility being supplied. This isaccomplished by using pressurized air to test the integrity of thepipes.

The air testing procedure is described in the UPC book. Standardspublished in the 1994 UPC book must be met until January 1999. AfterJanuary 1999, the standards published in the 1997 UPC book willimplemented. Section 712.3 sets forth the air testing procedures andstandards for waste pipe. Section 1204.3.2 sets forth the air testingprocedures and standards for gas pipe.

Waste pipe systems have been air tested using an air-pressure fittingconstructed to fit the standard waste plumbing pipe, having, forexample, 11/2", 2", 3", or 4" inside diameter (i.d.), corresponding to21/2", 23/4", 33/4", or 43/4 outside diameter (o.d.), respectively.Unless otherwise noted, when a pipe is describe as having a specificdiameter, such as for example, a 4" pipe, the dimension is referring tothe inside diameter (i.d.) of the pipe. The air test is made byattaching an air compressor testing apparatus to a clean-out or othersuitable opening in the pipe system, closing all other inlets andoutlets to the system, and forcing air into the system until there is auniform gage pressure of five pounds per square inch (5 psi or 34.5 kpa). The outside air-pressure source is then disconnected, the 5 psipressure must be held by the pipe system without introduction ofadditional air for at least 15 minutes. The pressure must be measuredusing a gauge having at least 1/10 pound incrementation; the range ofthe gauge is not limited for waste testing.

Gas pipe systems have been tested using an air-pressure fittingconstructed to fit the standard gas pipe, having for example, 1/2",3/4", or 11/2" diameters. Until 1999, the pipe system must be tested toa uniform pressure of 15 psi and held for no less than 15 minutes. Thepressure is measured using a 30 pound gauge having one poundincrementation. After 1999, the pipes will be tested to a uniformpressure of not less than 10 psi and held for no less than 15 minuteswith no perceptible drop in pressure. The pressure must be measuredusing a gauge having 1/10 pound incrementation and a range that does notexceed twice the test pressure applied, in this case 20 pounds.

Because waste and gas pipe systems have different pipe sizes and aretested to different gas pressures requiring different air gauges, thepeople who conduct the tests have been burdened with carrying aroundcumbersome air-pressure fittings, devoted to one or the other type ofsystems. To use an air test on a waste pipe, plumbers in the field haveresorted to assembling heavy awkward devices in order to connect a small3/8 inch air valve to a waste pipe having an inside diameter betweenabout 11/2" and about 4". Additionally, because of the awkwardconstruction of the air-valve to waste-pipe adapters, the delicatepressure gauges are constantly breaking, as they are carried around in abin of fittings, resulting in high replacement costs. Repairing them inthe field, or making new ones is frustrating and frequently results incut fingers from hose clamps or other parts.

A typical structure of an air-valve to waste-pipe fitting used byplumbers in the field would comprise, 1) a nipple capable of connectingon one side to an air supply and on the other side to a gas pipe; 2) ahexagonal pipe that is closed on one end, except for a hole throughwhich the air-valve is threaded and sealed and second hole in the sidethrough which an air gauge is fitted and sealed; 3) a round maleconnector pipe attached to the hexagonal pipe on one side; 4) a flangeconnected, on its small end to the second end of the connector, and onits wide end to a male adapter; and 5) connected to the other end of theABS adapter a set of bushings, and gaskets, sized to adapt to the wastepipe diameter, secured in place by a corrugated hub and 2 hose clampssurrounding the rubber gasket. This arrangement of standard pieces foundin a plumber's supply kit is about 14 inches long. Most of the length istaken up with adapters and connectors that increase the diameter of thefitting. This contraption serves the purpose of connecting an air valveto a waste pipe but is extremely awkward and cumbersome. Additionally,it is necessary to carry several of these around with each adapting the3/8" air valve to a different diameter waste pipe.

It would be very desirable to have a compact sturdy unit that could alsobe used for air-pressure testing waste piping systems. It would be evenmore desirable to have a single compact unit that could also be used toair-test both waste and gas piping systems. And it would be yet moredesirable to have a single compact unit that could be used to test bothwaste and gas piping systems without changing the pressure gauge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a compact sturdy air-testunit having an air valve on one end that couples to an air pressuresource, and having coupling to waste pipe on the other end. It is afurther object of the invention to provide a single compact air-testunit that can be used to air-test both waste and gas piping systems. Itis still another object of the invention to provide a single compactair-test fitting, that has a single air-pressure gauge that meets thestandards for both gas and waste testing, the fitting being capable ofcoupling to both waste and gas piping systems.

The present invention comprises an apparatus for gas-pressure testingcomprising, a) at least two concentric couplings, each coupling having adiameter that is different from the others, wherein each coupling has aninside and an outside and each coupling is approximately centered on along axis of the fitting and located so that each coupling is capable ofattaching to a target pipe in the presence of the other couplings; b) atest gas inlet valve located on a portion of the long axis of thefitting that is adjacent to the outside of the coupling having thelargest diameter; and c) a test gas pressure gauge located on a portionof the long axis of the fitting that is adjacent to the outside of thecoupling having the larger diameter.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A: shows the inventive air test fitting, used for gas and wastepiping.

FIG. 1B: shows the interior parts of the inventive air test fitting.

FIG. 2A: shows a detail view of the air inlet section.

FIG. 2B: shows a perspective view of the air inlet section.

FIG. 3: shows a detail view of the inner body.

FIG. 4: shows a detail view of the rubber cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an apparatus for gas-pressure testingcomprising, a) at least two concentric couplings, each coupling having adiameter that is different from the others, wherein each coupling has aninside and an outside and each coupling is approximately centered on along axis of the fitting and located so that each coupling is capable ofattaching to a target pipe in the presence of the other couplings; b) atest gas inlet valve located on a portion of the long axis of thefitting that is adjacent to the outside of the coupling having thelargest diameter; and c) a test gas pressure gauge located on a portionof the long axis of the fitting that is adjacent to the outside of thecoupling having the larger diameter.

The present invention further comprises an apparatus for gas pressuretesting comprising, a) a gas inlet section having one opening tapped toaccept a gas pressure valve, a second opening tapped to accept an gaspressure gauge, and a third opening tapped to accept one end of aconnector; b) a connector having a hollow core, and connected on a firstside to the gas inlet section; c) an inner body section connected on aninterior end to a second side of the hollow connector, the inner bodysection capable of coupling on its exterior end to a target pipe for gaspressure testing; and d) a cap having an inside diameter that is greaterthan the outside diameter of the inner body section, the cap interposedbetween the gas inlet section and the inner body section, wherein thecap is essentially concentric with the inner body and opens in the samedirection.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises, an apparatus forgas pressure testing comprising: a) an gas valve connected to an gasinlet section, the gas inlet section having one female end; b) a gaspressure gauge connected to the gas inlet section; c) a close nipplehaving a first end attached to the female end of the gas inlet section;d) a flexible cap having an opening in its top to accommodate the closenipple; and e) an inner body having a female end connected to a secondend of the close nipple, and having a male end threaded to connect to afuel gas pipe.

Further, the present invention comprises a method for conducting a gaspressure test of piping comprising the steps of: a) providing a gassource; b) providing piping to be tested (target piping); c) providing afitting to connect the gas source to the target piping, the fittingcomprising, i) at least two concentric couplings, each having adifferent diameter from the other, wherein each coupling has an insideand an outside and each coupling is approximately centered on a longaxis of the fitting and located so that each coupling is capable ofattaching to a target pipe in the presence of the other coupling; ii) agas inlet valve located on a portion of the long axis of the fittingthat is adjacent to the outside of the coupling having the largerdiameter; and iii) a gas-pressure gauge located on a portion of the longaxis of the fitting that is adjacent to the outside of the couplinghaving the larger diameter.

FIG. 1 shows the inventive test apparatus 2 configured to connect toeither a gas fuel pipe or a waste pipe. The inventive apparatus isdesigned to pressure test piping with any of many suitable test gasses,for example, compressed air, manually pumped air, CO₂, nitrogen, andother gasses that are acceptable under the Uniform Plumbing Code.Because air is commonly used as a test gas in a pressure test, andbecause pressure testing with a gas is commonly referred to as "airtesting" even when the test gas is not air, for example even when CO₂ isused, the test gas is uniformly referred to in this document as air.Thus, in this document, when reference is made to an `air pressuregauge`, an `air inlet section`, an `air valve`, or the like, it is to beunderstood that any suitable test gas can be substituted for `air`.Referring to the test gas as `air` further avoids confusion with some ofthe piping systems that are targeted for testing, such as those destinedto carry a gas fuel such as natural gas. A piping system destined tocarry gas fuel such as natural gas is commonly referred to bypractitioners as `gas pipe` or `gas piping`. In this document the termsgas pipe, gas piping, and gas pipe system refer to piping destined toeventually carry a gas fuel.

In FIG. 1, an air inlet section 4 is shown coupled to an inner body 6through a rubber cap 8. The cap was made of rubber for the currentembodiment because rubber is believed to be the best currently availablematerial, having both flexibility and strength. However, other materialssatisfactory for the purpose of coupling to pipe for air-pressuretesting (target pipe) can be substituted. For example, new plastics oreven a metal having threads, could be used depending on a specificintended use and environment. In this document, cap 8 may be referred toas rubber, but other materials can be substituted if desired. The airinlet section 4 has an air valve 10 that penetrates through a solid endof an air inlet pipe 12 into the interior of the pipe. The other end ofthe air inlet pipe 12 is threaded as a female connector to join with ahollow male close nipple 20. Air gauge 14 penetrates into the interiorof air inlet pipe 12 through its side wall. Air inlet section 4 fitsfirmly against the solid top portion of cap 8 via a washer or flange 16.A central hole in the top portion 7 of the cap 8 is spanned by a hollowclose nipple 20. There is a tight, sealed fit between the edges of thehole in the top of the cap 8 and the nipple. The close nipple serves asa small male connector between air inlet section 4 and inner body 6, sothat the pressurized air that enters air inlet section 4 through airvalve 10 passes into the interior of inner body 6. The inner bodysection 6 has a flange or washer on one end that allows it to fit firmlyagainst the inside wall of the top of cap 8 when screwed down tightlyagainst air inlet section 4 via close nipple 20 and interior threads inthe male end of the inner body. The other end of inner body 6 is alsothreaded as a female member to accept standard gas piping which has amale connector.

To conduct an air-pressure test of gas piping, pressurized air is fed inthrough air valve 10, passes through air inlet pipe 12, close nippleconnector 20, and inner body 6 to gas piping that is connected to theexterior end of the inner body. When the target piping couples to theinner body 6, the cap 8 is not used.

The same inventive fitting that is used to air test gas piping is alsoused to test waste piping. Since waste piping may have any of severaldifferent diameters, a user chooses an inventive fitting that has a capdiameter that matches the diameter of the target pipe coupling. The o.d.of inner body 6 is always significantly smaller than the inner diameterof the cap 8. Thus a waste pipe will fit around the inner body andconnect to the open end of the cap 8. To conduct an air-pressure test ofwaste piping, pressurized air is fed in through air valve 10, passesthrough air inlet pipe 12, close nipple connector 20, and inner body 6to the target waste line which is sealed to cap 8.

The entire fitting is approximately six inches long. It provides theuser with a great advancement in convenience during use combined withstoring ease. Additionally, the inventive fitting is more versatile thanair test fittings found in the prior art. The present inventioncomprises the first dual purpose fitting wherein a single fitting hasconcentrically mounted couplings so it is useful to air test both gaspiping and waste piping.

Air inlet section

The air inlet pipe 12 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It comprises a pipe18 having one closed end and one open end. It is convenient for the pipe12 to be hexagonal because that provides a flat surface through which anair-pressure gauge 14 is attached, but this shape is not required forthe invention. Pipe 12 can, for example, have an octagonal, round bandedcoupling, simple round, or other cross-sectional shape. The importantpoint is that an air tight seal is made between pipe 12 and theair-pressure gauge 14.

The closed end 18 has a hole 22 through which an air valve is inserted.Typically, a 3/8" air valve is used, although it is not necessary to theinvention. The air valve must match the air-pressure valve on theselected air source. The air valve 10 is secured to the pipe 12 in anyof a number of ways generally known to practitioners. In the exampleshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a 5/16" hex nut 24 was used. The other end ofpipe 12 has internal NPT threads to receive a short close nipple. If,for example, a 3/4 close nipple 20 is used, then the threads in the openend of pipe 12 are made 3/4" NPT. In the best embodiment, flange 16 islocated at the open end of pipe 12. The flange is pressed up against thetop closed surface of the cap 8 to achieve an airtight fit. However, aflange is not necessary. Instead, a washer can be used to achieve a verytight fit against cap 8.

There are several alternative ways to construct air inlet section 4 thatwill be readily apparent to practitioners in the plumbing arts. Forexample, pipe 12 can be made from a piece of pipe having two open ends,one of the ends having external threads. That end can then be closed byattaching a metal cap having matching internal threads. The inventivefitting includes the many ordinary ways of constructing air inletsection 4.

A custom made air gauge 14, is used that conforms with the air testingstandards for both waste and gas piping as stated in sections 712.3 and1204.3.2, and 319.0 of the 1997 UPC. The gauge reads to 10 pounds airpressure in tenth pound incrementations and to 20 pounds air pressure inone pound incrementations between 10 pounds and 20 pounds. Of course,any gauge can be used that conforms with UPC standards in force at thetime of use. The gauge described above was chosen because it meets boththe current UPC standards and the those that will go into effect whenthe new standards are adopted, expected in 1999. After 1999, if onewanted, for example, to minimize device size, a gauge that read to 10pounds air pressure in tenth pound incrementations could be used insteadof a gauge having a 20 pound range.

The air gauge 14 is mounted through the side wall of pipe 12 usingstandard methods. In order to make a good airtight seal, it ispreferable to mount the gauge through a flattened section on the pipethat has, for example, a hexagonal cross-section. The important featurethough, is that an air tight seal is achieved.

The air inlet pipe 12 is typically about 3" long. It may, however, beconsiderably longer. The fittings currently used by plumbers, have anoverall length of 15" and the current invention would retain inventiveutility even if it was made to have an overall length of 15" or more.Making pipe 12 longer than between about 2" to about 4" would result insome loss of convenience, particularly if the overall length of thefitting became much longer than about 12". Alternatively, the inlet pipe12 may be as short as about 1.5 or 2". It's i.d. is typically about 1"but may be between about 3/8" and about 11/4. It's o.d. is typicallybetween about 1/2" and about 3/4" greater than the i.d.

Typically, the air inlet pipe is made out of galvanized steel. However,it can be made from many other materials such as, for example, blacksteel, brass, pot metal, aluminum, or other materials known topractitioners in the art.

Inner body section

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the inner body section 6. It is open on bothends and has internal threading on one end 32 that couples to the targetgas pipe. The second end has internal threading to match one side of theclose nipple 20. The second end, preferably, is flanged to easilyprovide a tight fit next to the internal surface of the top of the cap8. Alternatively, a flat end and washer or other means of achieving atight fit is used.

The inner body is typically about 3" long. Like the air inlet pipe 12,it may be as long as 12" or 15" or even more, though the fitting,typically, become less convenient as it becomes longer. To provide afitting that has a short overall length, the inner body is between about1" and about 4". If its length is very short, it may be visuallyobscured by the edges of the cap 8, requiring the threaded end to becoupled to a target gas pipe by feel rather than by sight.

Inner body section 6 has an i.d. typically of about 1" but may bebetween about 1/4 and about 2". Its i.d. is, typically, chosen to matchthe target gas pipe with which it is intended to couple, but an adaptercan be used to increase the number of target pipe diameters to which asingle inner body can couple. Standard gas pipes have o.d.s of 1/4",3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 11/2", or 2". There are of course other sizes butthis list includes the most common. The i.d. of inner body 6 is,typically, about 1.5". The o.d. is, typically, between about 1/2" andabout 3/4" greater than the i.d., but is not so limited.

The preferred method of constructing inner body section 6 comprises a)providing a piece of pipe having the appropriate dimensions and oneflanged end; b) tapping the flanged end to match male connector 20; andc) tapping the other end with internal threads that couple to target gaspiping. An alternate construction, also found to perform in asatisfactory manner comprises using a section of externally threadedpipe having two flat ends and an o.d. that matches the target gas pipe'si.d. The interior end 30, that is the end that will fit up against theinside surface of the cap 8, is internally taped to match male connector20. A flange or appropriately shaped internally threaded ring is screwedon to interior end 30. A connector that is internally threaded to matchboth the exterior threading of the pipe and the target gas pipe isscrewed onto the pipe's other end. Practitioners of ordinary skill inthe art will be able to discern a large variety of equivalent ways toassemble individual sections without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention.

Inner connector section

The air inlet section 4 and inner body 6 are connected through thecenter of cap 8. There are many types of connectors that can be used. A3/4" close nipple 20, provides a convenient connector for the presentembodiment. Alternatively, a compression fitting or other connectingelement may be used. To maintain good air flow dynamics, it is preferredthat the i.d. of the connector matches that of the air source. Theconnector attaches on one side to the open end of the air inlet pipe 12and on the other side to the interior end 30 of the inner body 6.

Rubber cap

FIG. 4 shows a cap 8, which is sized to couple to a target waste, vent,second gas pipe, or other pipe having a diameter larger than the gaspipe targeted by the inner body. It is likely that the cap 8 will bemost commonly used to couple to a waste or vent pipe. Cap 8 may beformed from a standard waste or vent pipe cap, or more preferably, athick version is used that will wear better and will hold the airpressure well. The cap is secured around the target pipe using asecuring means. A hose clamp 26, shown in FIG. 4, illustrates one meansof securing the cap to a target pipe. More than one clamp can be used insome instances, particularly for large caps, without departing from thespirit of the invention. It is helpful, though not necessary, to provideindentations 28, grooves, tabs, or other means of holding one or morehose clamps in place as they are tightened.

The diameter of the hole in the top 7 of the cap 8 is made slightlysmaller than the o.d. of close nipple 20, so that when the close nippleis pushed through the hole, the edges of the hole compresses against andfirmly grips the outside of the nipple, making a good seal. Nipple 20shown in FIG. 1B, had an o.d. of 1" and an i.d. of 3/4". Thus a 7/8"hole was made in the top of cap 8 to accept close nipple 20.

While the cap is, typically, made of rubber, it may be made of anymaterial, including plastics, that meets UPC standards, and is flexibleand strong. For example, other materials satisfactory for the purpose ofcoupling to the target pipe such as new plastics or even a metal caphaving threads can be substituted for rubber.

After the close nipple is inserted through the hole in the closed top ofthe cap 7, air intake section 4 is screwed on to the top side of the capand inner body 6 is screwed into the underside of the cap. In anotherembodiment, the cap couples to the inside of the waste pipe. In thisembodiment the outside diameter of the cap seals against the insidediameter of the waste pipe. After the cap is inserted into the wastepipe it is sealed against the inside of the waste pipe using any of anumber of commonly available mechanical means, such as an expansionbolt. Other flexible materials besides that of a waste cap can be used,as long as the requirement of strength and flexibility and capability tomake a good seal are met.

Thus, the invention provides a single compact fitting for air-pressuretesting pipes having different diameters, such as for example gas pipingand waste piping. The fitting couples to target piping through eitherthe inner body 6, or cap 8, which are arranged essentiallyconcentrically on the fitting and which open in the same direction. Eachfitting is made to couple to, for example, a gas pipe of a particularo.d. and waste pipes of a single larger diameter. A typical plumberwould likely have a set of adapters to allow the gas pipe fitting toattach to any of several possible gas pipe diameters. Still, the typicalplumber would have a set, for example four, of the inventive fittingsavailable, wherein the set of four fittings would each have, forexample, a 11/2", a 2", a 3", and a 4" cap 8, one for each size wastepipe, vent, or other pipe coupling that is targeted for air-pressuretesting. That is, in a particular embodiment, the inner body wouldcouple to, for example, a 3/4" gas pipe or other pipe and cap 8 would,for example, couple to a 2" waste pipe, vent pipe, second gas pipe, orother piping. Without compromising compactness, standard adapters may beused to couple the 3/4" inner body to other sizes of target piping.

The inventive fitting couples easily to either a gas piping or a wastepipe. A single gas-pressure gauge is used to test both piping systems.The inventive fitting, in addition to being more versatile thanconventional fittings because it couples to conventional gas fuel andwaste piping, is also sturdier and more compact than the fittingsplumbers have been making conventionally. In addition, in several of itsembodiments the inventive fitting is less expensive to make than thefittings plumbers have been making conventionally. In some embodimentsthe cost of production has been reduced by a factor of between four,five, six, and even seven.

The description of illustrative embodiments and best modes of thepresent invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.Various modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may beemployed without departing from the true spirit and scope of theappended claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for gas-pressure testing comprising:a) atleast two concentric couplings, each coupling having a diameter that isdifferent from the others, wherein each coupling has an inside and anoutside and each coupling is approximately centered on a long axis of afitting and located so that each coupling is capable of attaching to atarget pipe in the presence of the other couplings; b) a test gas inletvalve located on a portion of the long axis of the fitting that isadjacent to the outside of the coupling having the largest diameter; andc) a test gas pressure gauge located on a portion of the long axis ofthe fitting that is adjacent to the outside of the coupling having thelarger diameter.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the overall lengthof the fitting is less than 20 inches.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1having an overall length of between about 4 inches and about 15 inches.4. The apparatus of claim 1 having an overall length of between about 5inches and about 12 inches.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 having anoverall length of between about 6 inches and about 9 inches.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the gas is chosen from the group consistingof air, nitrogen, and CO₂.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thelarger of the at least two concentric couplings is configured to nestinside a waste pipe and form a high pressure seal thereto.
 8. Anapparatus for gas pressure testing comprising:a) a hollow test gas inletsection having one opening tapped to accept a test gas pressure valve, asecond opening tapped to accept a test gas pressure gauge, and a thirdopening tapped to accept one end of a connector; b) a connector having ahollow core, and connected on a first side to the test gas inletsection; c) a hollow inner body section connected on an interior end toa second side of the hollow connector, the inner body section capable ofcoupling on its exterior end to a target pipe; and d) a cap having aninside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the innerbody section, the cap interposed between the gas inlet section and theinner body section, wherein the cap is essentially concentric with theinner body and opens in the same direction.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8wherein a test gas pressure valve is attached to the test gas inletsection.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the gas valve is attachedthrough an opening in an end of the air inlet section.
 11. The apparatusof claim 8 wherein a gas pressure gauge is attached to the gas inletsection.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the gas pressure gauge isattached through a side of the air inlet section.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein the gas pressure gauge has a range of 0 to 20 poundspressure and the first 10 pounds have 0.1 pound incrementations.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the gas inlet section comprises a pipehaving one closed end and one internally tapped female end.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein the female end is flanged.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the inner body section comprises a pipehaving one female end and one male end.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16wherein the female end is flanged.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 whereinthe male end is threaded to match gas piping.
 19. The apparatus of claim8 wherein the cap comprises a flexible, durable material.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein the cap is made of rubber.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein the cap further comprises hose clampsattached to its outside circumference.
 22. The apparatus of claim 8having an overall length that is less than about 20 inches.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 22 having an overall length of between about 4 inchesand about 15 inches.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22 having an overalllength of between about 5 inches and about 12 inches.
 25. The apparatusof claim 22 having an overall length of between about 6 inches and about9 inches.
 26. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the test gas is chosenfrom the group consisting of air, nitrogen, and CO₂.
 27. An apparatusfor test gas pressure testing comprising:a) a test gas valve connectedto a hollow test gas inlet section, the gas inlet section having onefemale end; b) a test gas pressure gauge connected to the gas inletsection; c) a hollow close nipple having a first end attached to thefemale end of the gas inlet section; d) a flexible cap having an openingin its top, through which the close nipple is threaded; and e) a hollowinner body having a female end connected to a second end of the closenipple, and having a male end threaded to connect to a fuel gas pipe.28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the gas valve and the gas pressuregauge are each attached through a flat portion of the gas inlet section.29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the gas pressure gauge has a rangeof 20 pounds and the first 10 pounds have 0.1 incrementations.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 27 wherein the cap is comprised of rubber and hashose clamps to compress it around a pipe fitting.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 27 wherein the overall length is between about 4 inches and about12 inches.
 32. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the rubber cap couplesto a pipe having a 2 inch inside diameter.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32wherein the inner body couples to a male NPT pipe having a 3/4 inchinside diameter.
 34. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein an adapter isconnected to the male end of the inner body.
 35. The apparatus of claim25 wherein the gas is chosen from the group consisting of air, nitrogen,and CO₂.
 36. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the cap is comprised of aflexible material and fits inside a target pipe fitting.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 36 wherein an expansion bolt is used to form a highpressure seal between the cap and the target pipe that surrounds thecap.
 38. A method for conducting a gas pressure test of pipingcomprising the steps of:a) providing a test gas source; b) providingpiping to be tested; c) providing a fitting to connect the gas source tothe target piping, the fitting comprising,i) at least two concentriccouplings, each coupling having a different diameter that is from theothers, wherein each coupling has an inside and an outside and eachcoupling is approximately centered on a long axis of the fitting andlocated so that each coupling is capable of attaching to a target pipein the presence of the other couplings; ii) a test gas inlet valvelocated on a portion of the long axis of the fitting that is adjacent tothe outside of the coupling having the largest diameter; and iii) a testgas-pressure gauge located on a portion of the long axis of the fittingthat is adjacent to the outside of the coupling having the largerdiameter.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein the gas is chosen from thegroup consisting of air, nitrogen, and CO₂.
 40. The method of claim 38wherein the fitting has an overall length of less than about 20 inches.